Crime & Safety
Suspect Wanted For Attempted Murder In Laguna Has Active Warrant
The 31-year-old suspect has an active warrant on suspicion of a prior incident involving assault with a deadly weapon earlier this year.
LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach Police officers are still searching for a 31-year-old man suspected of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and burglarizing her Laguna Beach home, authorities said Thursday.
The man, identified as Charles Thomas Kelley IV, has an active warrant on suspicion of a prior incident involving assault with a deadly weapon on Jan. 21, Orange County court records show.
Laguna Beach Police said that on the evening of Tuesday, April 18, Kelley broke into his ex-girlfriend's home on the 1600 block of Tahiti Avenue. Kelley, who was armed with a knife, attacked and strangled the victim, who was not identified by police.
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According to the Orange County Register, Kelley told the victim he was "going to kill her" and demanded that she give him $700.
Authorities were dispatched to the scene Wednesday morning. Firefighter-paramedics treated the victim at the scene, and she was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. Kelley fled the scene before police arrived.
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He was described by police as a White man with brown hair and blue eyes. He stands at 6'1" and weighs around 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue jacket, grey T-shirt and black pants, police said.
Residents who encounter Kelley or know of his whereabouts were asked to call 911 or the Laguna Beach Police Department at 949-497-0701.
Residents with additional information about Kelley were asked to reach out to Detective M. Lee with the Major Crimes and Intelligence Unit at 949-497-0371 or MLee@lagunabeachcity.net.
Kelley has a lengthy criminal history, according to court records. He was charged in January with assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury with a sentencing enhancement for the infliction of great bodily injury for an assault on a man Jan. 21, court records show.
Kelley pleaded guilty March 19, 2021, to an armed robbery with a knife at an ATM in Irvine and leading police on a chase in Newport Beach, according to court records.
He was also convicted in San Diego County Aug. 29, 2016, of aggravated battery, according to court records.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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